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Topic: 2 Stage Volume Pedal Ideas |
Shaun Swanson
From:
Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 3:29 pm |
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As I try to learn how to use a volume pedal(VP) to increase sustain, I keep thinking there must be an easier way. From what I understand, when a VP is used properly you go through two stages. These numbers may very, but from 0 (no volume) to 50% is your playing range. Then, any thing from 50% to 100% is used to slowly push out more sustain as the note decays.
The problem is it's too easy to accidentally push past 50% before the note decays and you are embarrassed by a really loud note. What I think VP's need is a physical indicator to tell you were 50% is. I think we need Two Stage pedals.
What if pedal manufacturers attached an adjustable spring to the heel end of the pedal that would catch at 50% so your foot would feel it. You would have free motion from 0 - 50, but then you would feel the spring's tension in the sustain stage. When you're done with the note the spring would guide you back to the 50% spot. If a traditional player didn't want to use the spring they could just take it off.
Now I know a bunch of people will say, "Learn to do it the old way with your ears!" But our instrument is all about mechanically making things easier. If it wasn't, we'd all be playing lap steels instead of having pedals and knee levers. 
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www.swansonillustration.com |
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Dick Sexton
From:
Greenville, Ohio
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 4:05 pm
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Same notion crossed my mind.  |
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Pat Comeau
From:
New Brunswick, Canada
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 6:15 pm
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The best way is to have a good volume pedal and with practice it'll come naturaly, it is as hard to master the volume pedal then it is to master playing the pedal steel, working the volume pedal should come naturaly with feel and dynamics and not by any mechanical ways, it's not everyone that knows how to work a volume pedal properly,IMO 
Pat C.
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Comeau SD10 4x5, Comeau S10 3x5, Peavey Session 500,Fender Telecaster,Fender Stratocaster, Fender Precision,1978 Ovation Viper electric. Alvarez 4 strings Violin electric.
Click the links to listen to my Comeau's Pedal Steel Guitars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYiaomZx3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GhZTN_yXI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvDTw2zNriI |
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Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 3 Aug 2010 11:04 pm Re: 2 Stage Volume Pedal Ideas
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| Shaun Swanson wrote: |
What if pedal manufacturers attached an adjustable spring to the heel end of the pedal that would catch at 50% so your foot would feel it. |
Yes, that works great. I used to do that on my Goodrich pedals. I saw it first on Roland pedals. I just put a pretty stiff compression spring on the top (or bottom) of the pedal up by the toe. |
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Bob Vantine
From:
Freeville, New York, USA
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Posted 4 Aug 2010 2:53 am
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 There are VPs out there with LEDs on the top panel .
 Next thing is to figure out how to watch ABC pedals , Vol Pedal,and fretboard at same time . 
What I'd like to know is how someone like Bobby K ,on some Bob Wills clips , can be honkin' away back & forth on two necks while lookin' at the camera,crankin' on the volume KNOB and never ,ever hit a FUBARd note  Of coarse he didn't have a VP or knee levers & foot pedals to mess him up  
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EQUIPMENT:
"TEAK" ZUM STAGE-ONE Steel / C6th Lapsteel
Peavey NV112 , CLASSIC and EFX112 amps
Peavey Guitars |
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